Library Policy and Rules of Conduct
LIBRARY POLICY & RULES OF CONDUCT
Constantine Township Library
The Library Board recognizes the need to maintain an inviting environment suitable for studying, reading, browsing and general use of library resources by all.
This implies an environment where users and staff are free from harassment, intimidation, and threat to their safety and well-being.
According to Michigan Statute MCL 397.206 the Library Board may exclude from the use of the Library any and all person(s) who shall willfully violate such reasonable rules and regulations as the Board may adopt. Such exclusion from the Library and its property shall occur on the orders of the Director (or their designee).
The Constantine Township Library Board establishes the following Library Policy & Rules of Conduct to assure the safety of library users, personnel, materials, equipment, and facilities. Entering the Library implies agreement to abide by these rules. Thank you for your cooperation.
Violators will be informed via Notice of Conduct Policy Violation when privileges have been revoked. In the case of minors, parents will also receive a copy via mail.
Violation of any Federal or State Statutes or Local Ordinances will be regarded as a violation of Library Policy and Rules of Conduct.
We reserve the right to remove any person(s) with or without prior notice or warning if his or her presence or conduct on the premises poses an immediate and imminent danger to any person or property on such premises. Additionally, the Constantine Township Library staff will request assistance from the police if deemed necessary to enforce this code. The laws and ordinances that follow are cited by way of illustration not limitation.
Major infractions will necessitate police action.
ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR:
* Assault, Fighting or Larceny
* Destruction, damage, defacement or removal of property
* Indecent/obscene language or conduct
* Selling or use of controlled substances
* Intoxication or under the influence of illegal drugs
* Patron in building after hours without permission
* Disturbance of the peace by loud or aggressive behavior
* Solicitation for acts of prostitution
* Loitering in a menacing manner
* Possession of a firearm, knife or other weapon
In such situations where illegal behavior is evident, every effort should be directed to staying calm and informing the proper authorities as quickly as possible through 9-1-1. All such incidents are to be reported to the director and a written report presented including names, dates, time and a reconstruction of the situation.
Violation and Enforcement: When federal, state or local laws are violated on Library properties person(s) are subject to following guidelines.
First Violation: Library privileges will be revoked for six months. This includes no checking out of materials or admittance to the building.
Subsequent Violations: Library privileges will be revoked for one year. This includes no checking out of materials or admittance to the building.
Violation of Library Policy & Rules of Conduct guidelines: Every effort should be made to respond to potentially difficult circumstances in a timely and direct manner. Common sense, reason and sensitivity, should be used to resolve issues in a constructive and positive manner without escalation.
Parents or caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children using the library. The Library does not provide daycare. Library policy is that parents or caregivers of children using the library facility must assume responsibility for their safety, behavior and materials accessed whether the parent or caregiver is present in the facility or, when age allows, have left the facility (see Unattended Children Policy). The parent or caregiver is responsible for minors to abide by the Library Policy and Rules of Conduct whether you are on the computer, browsing the books, or other activities.
Parents will be told if their children require supervision when present. When parents are not present they will be informed via Notice of User Conduct Policy Violation (attachment 11) via mail when a conduct situation arises and privileges have been revoked. If parents or caregivers are unavailable, proper authorities may be notified. All such incidents are to be reported to the director and a written report presented including names, dates, time and a reconstruction of the situation.
When the Library Policy and Rules of Conduct is violated, person(s) are subject to the following guidelines. We reserve the right to remove any person(s) with or without prior notice or warning if his or her presence or conduct on the premises poses an immediate and imminent danger to any person or property on such premises. Any person who violates this Library Policy and Rules of Conduct may be denied Library privileges by the Director or their designee upon notice. While the denial period is intended to be progressive, the Director may deny services for a period of up to 1 year for any violation. In most cases two warnings will be issued. A third communication with person(s) will constitute a violation. In the case of minors, parents will be informed if any privileges have been revoked due to library conduct.
1st Violation: Verbal Warning or up to one day suspension from the Library and/or computers privileges. A written report is required by staff.
2nd Violation: Up to 30 days suspension from the Library and/or computer privileges. A written report is required by staff.
3rd Violation: Up to 60 days suspension from the Library and/or computer privileges. A written report is required by staff.
4th Violation: Up to 90 days suspension from the Library and/or computer privileges. A written report is required by staff.
In addition to the above illegal behavior, the following Library Policy & Rules of Conduct will be enforced.
* No Smoking
* No Food or Drink (except for designated programs)
* No Harassment of Patrons or Personnel
* No Loitering in Bathroom or Hall Areas
* No Admittance to library work areas (except with permission)
* No Soliciting
* No leaving personal property unattended. The Library is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen property.
* No Disorderly or Disruptive Behavior (including no running, no loud, foul, or abusive language; no rowdy activity, no rollerblades or such devices)
* No pets, except that which assists a handicapped individual
* Violation of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy & Guidelines, including disregarding staff requests to terminate session.
* Cell phone use is to be quiet and courteous
* Audio, gaming or similar devices must only be audible to the user
* Seating may be limited to prevent disturbances
* Young Children must be attended at all times (see Unattended Children Policy).
* Shirt and shoes required to enter library
* Patrons shall be responsible for any fees, fines or other charges due.
* Library property must be handled with care at all times.
* Be considerate and respectful of others using the library.
The Constantine Township Library reserves the right to establish and implement policy as needed to create and maintain an atmosphere that is safe and accessible to all patrons.
Effective: 1993
Approved: 10/06/2009